Lewisham residents living in poor conditions are worried about their children's health.
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Eleven headteachers from Lewisham have co-signed an open letter urging the council to take immediate action over the impact of poor housing conditions that may cause health issues for students.
Headteachers reported a rise in respiratory illnesses, asthma attacks, and skin conditions among their pupils, directly linked to mould, dampness, and leaks in their homes.
The letter demands action from the council within 30 days of the Mayoral-by-election.
Headmaster, Dean Gordon Headmaster, is concerned for his pupil’s health CREDIT: Rajeshwari Kashyap
Dean Gordon, Headteacher at Grinling Gibbons Primary School said: “Our students’ health and education are being jeopardized by their living situations.
“We’ve seen a concerning rise in respiratory problems, and it’s clear these are linked to damp and mould in their homes.”
Living in a Health Hazard
Trishanna Lodge, a parent of two living in Lewisham Council housing, paints a grim picture: “My children always have the cold and running nose. Once a teacher asked me why they always have the cold.
“I’m an adult and still I sometimes cry and struggle to breathe. They’re children. I’m worried about them.
“This may lead to asthma or anything bad to their immune system.”
Mould on the ceiling in Trishanna’s bathroom CREDIT: Rajeshwari Kashyape
Thorrun Govind, a GP from Lewisham, confirmed the health risks are associated with mould in the home.
She said: “Exposure to mould can trigger asthma attacks, worsen allergies, and even lead to respiratory infections.
“There are certain more vulnerable groups as well such as babies, children, older people and those with existing skin or immune conditions.”
The Council Response
Lewisham Council recently referred itself to the Regulator of Social Housing, acknowledging a backlog of repairs and a decline in the condition of its social housing stock.
Cllr Will Cooper, Cabinet member for Housing Management and Homeless told City News: “Our budget for 2024/25 allocates around £80 million to spend on improvements where they’re most needed.
“We are also engaging in a survey of our housing stock during 2024, for which we will be checking the condition of our buildings and residents’ homes throughout the borough, so we can capture where investment is most urgent.”
The open letter from the headteachers hopes to urge the council to address the health concerns and outline their plans for tackling Lewisham’s housing problems.
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HeadlineLewisham headteachers demand council action on housing health hazards
Short HeadlineLewisham Headteachers seek safe and healthy housing
StandfirstLewisham mayor Brenda Dacres has until the 6th of April to address urgent housing crisis and children's education concerns.
Eleven headteachers from Lewisham have co-signed an open letter urging the council to take immediate action over the impact of poor housing conditions that may cause health issues for students.
Headteachers reported a rise in respiratory illnesses, asthma attacks, and skin conditions among their pupils, directly linked to mould, dampness, and leaks in their homes.
The letter demands action from the council within 30 days of the Mayoral-by-election.
Headmaster, Dean Gordon Headmaster, is concerned for his pupil’s health CREDIT: Rajeshwari Kashyap
Dean Gordon, Headteacher at Grinling Gibbons Primary School said: “Our students’ health and education are being jeopardized by their living situations.
“We’ve seen a concerning rise in respiratory problems, and it’s clear these are linked to damp and mould in their homes.”
Living in a Health Hazard
Trishanna Lodge, a parent of two living in Lewisham Council housing, paints a grim picture: “My children always have the cold and running nose. Once a teacher asked me why they always have the cold.
“I’m an adult and still I sometimes cry and struggle to breathe. They’re children. I’m worried about them.
“This may lead to asthma or anything bad to their immune system.”
Mould on the ceiling in Trishanna’s bathroom CREDIT: Rajeshwari Kashyape
Thorrun Govind, a GP from Lewisham, confirmed the health risks are associated with mould in the home.
She said: “Exposure to mould can trigger asthma attacks, worsen allergies, and even lead to respiratory infections.
“There are certain more vulnerable groups as well such as babies, children, older people and those with existing skin or immune conditions.”
The Council Response
Lewisham Council recently referred itself to the Regulator of Social Housing, acknowledging a backlog of repairs and a decline in the condition of its social housing stock.
Cllr Will Cooper, Cabinet member for Housing Management and Homeless told City News: “Our budget for 2024/25 allocates around £80 million to spend on improvements where they’re most needed.
“We are also engaging in a survey of our housing stock during 2024, for which we will be checking the condition of our buildings and residents’ homes throughout the borough, so we can capture where investment is most urgent.”
The open letter from the headteachers hopes to urge the council to address the health concerns and outline their plans for tackling Lewisham’s housing problems.
